Electronic converter and related method of operating an electronic converter

ABSTRACT

An electronic converter comprising a switching stage comprising at least one electronic switch, wherein the switching stage is adapted to provide a current via a terminal; a first capacitor, wherein the first capacitor provides a first voltage. Specifically, converter further comprises: a second capacitor, wherein the second capacitor provides a second voltage, comparison means configured to detect the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, and determine a comparison signal which indicates whether this difference is greater than a threshold, and switching means configured to transfer selectively current to the first capacitor or the second capacitor as a function of the comparison signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a national stage entry according to 35 U.S.C.§ 371 of PCT application No.: PCT/IB2016/055537 filed on Sep. 16, 2016,which claims priority from Italian Patent Application Serial No.:102015000053942 which was filed Sep. 22, 2015, and is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The description relates to electronic converters.

The description was devised with particular attention paid to theimplementation of electronic converters providing a plurality ofvoltages.

BACKGROUND

Electronic converters for light sources, comprising e.g. at least oneLED (Light Emitting Diode) or other solid-state lighting means, mayoffer a direct current output. Such current may be steady or vary intime, e.g. in order to adjust the brightness emitted by the light source(so-called dimming function).

FIG. 1 shows a possible lighting arrangement comprising an electronicconverter 10 and a lighting module 20 including, e.g., at least one LEDL.

For instance, FIG. 2 shows an example of a lighting module 20 comprisingan LED chain, i.e. a plurality of LEDs connected in series. As anexample, FIG. 2 shows four LEDs L1, L2, L3 and L4.

Electronic converter 10 may comprise a control circuit 102 and a powercircuit 12 (e.g. an AC/DC or DC/DC switching power supply) whichreceives at an input, a supply signal (e.g. from the mains) and providesat an output, via a power output 106, a voltage V₀. Such a voltage maybe steady or vary in time. E.g., control circuit 102 may set, via areference signal V_(ref) of power circuit 12, the voltage provided atoutput 106 for feeding lighting module 20. Lighting module 20 mayinclude a current regulator 22, connected in series with light sources Lfor limiting the current.

There are many types of electronic converters, such as for example“buck”, “boost”, “buck-boost”, “flyback” or “forward” converters.

FIG. 3 shows the circuit diagram of a flyback converter 12, wherein alighting module 20 is connected to output 106 of converter 12.

A flyback converter comprises a transformer T with a primary winding T1and a secondary winding T2, an electronic switch S, such as an n-channelMOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), arectification diode D and an output capacitor C.

Specifically, transformer T may be modelled as an inductor Lm connectedin parallel with primary winding T1, which represents the magnetisinginductance of transformer T, and an ideal transformer with a given ratioof the numbers of turns 1:n.

Converter 12 receives at input, via two input terminals 110, a voltageV_(in) and provides at output, via two output terminals 106, a regulatedvoltage V_(o). Voltage V_(in) may also be obtained from an AC inputcurrent, for instance via a rectifier, e.g. a diode-bridge rectifier,and optionally via a filter capacitor.

The first input terminal (positive terminal) is connected to the firstterminal of primary winding T1 of transformer T, and the second inputterminal (negative terminal) represents a first ground GND₁. On theother hand, the second terminal of primary winding T1 of transformer Tis connected via switch S to ground GND₁. Therefore, switch S may beused for activating selectively the current flow through primary windingT1 of transformer T.

In a flyback converter, secondary winding T2 of transformer T isconnected via a diode D to an output capacitor C. Specifically, thefirst terminal of rectification winding T2 is connected to the anode ofdiode D, and the cathode of diode D is connected to a first outputterminal (positive terminal). On the other hand, the second terminal isconnected directly to the second output terminal (negative terminal),which represents a second ground GND₂, which due to the insulatingeffect of transformer T is preferably different from ground GND₁ andtherefore is denoted with a different ground symbol.

Finally, capacitor C is connected in parallel with output 106.

As a consequence, when switch S is closed (first operating interval),primary winding T1 of transformer T is connected directly to inputvoltage V_(in). This causes an increase of the magnetic flux intransformer T. Therefore, the voltage across secondary winding T2 isnegative and diode D is reverse biased. In this condition, outputcapacitor C provides the energy required by lighting module 20.

On the other hand, when switch S is opened (second operating interval),the energy stored in transformer T is transferred as flyback current tothe secondary side.

Typically, both operating intervals are repeated periodically. Forexample, a converter normally also comprises a driver circuit 112,controlling the switching of switch S as a function of a feedbacksignal. For example, such driver circuit 112 may be designed forrepeating the operating intervals at a fixed frequency, wherein theenergy transfer is controlled via a PWM signal, i.e. the durations ofthe first and of the second time intervals are variable, while the sumof the durations is constant. Such PWM driving and the control of thedurations of the operating intervals are well known and that they can beimplemented e.g. via a feedback of the output voltage via an erroramplifier. For example, in the case of a voltage control, the durationof the first time interval is increased until the (average) outputvoltage corresponds to a desired value.

An electronic converter is often required to generate a plurality ofvoltages. For example, this may be useful for generating a supply forthe control circuit 102 and/or for the driver circuit 112.

For example, FIGS. 4 and 5 show various solutions of multiple outputsupplies, having e.g. two outputs 106 a and 106 b, by resorting againe.g. to a flyback topology.

In the diagram of FIG. 4, transformer T is provided with two secondarywindings T2 a and T2 b (a winding for each output 106 a and 106 b).Moreover, on the secondary side for each secondary winding T2 a and T2 bthere is provided a rectification/filter network of a typical flybackconverter, respectively including a diode Da/Db and a capacitor Ca/Cb.Therefore, a way to obtain multiple outputs consists in arrangingseveral windings on the same transformer.

The solution according to FIG. 5, on the other hand, provides onesecondary winding T2 and derives the auxiliary output(s) (e.g. output106 b) from main output 106 a via an additional converter 12 b.

For example, such converter 12 b may be a switching converter, such ase.g. a buck converter. This solution is efficient in energy consumption,but requires a number of additional components. Therefore, it is acostly solution and it is rather bulky, especially with reference to itsuse for generating an auxiliary low-power supply.

Generally speaking, converter 12 b may also be implemented via a linearregulator. This solution is simple and may be implemented easily with alow number of components, but has the drawback of a high dissipation ofthe linear regulator, so that the possible application field isrestricted to situations wherein the voltage difference and the currentsupplied at output are low.

SUMMARY

The present description aims at overcoming the previously outlineddrawbacks. Specifically, it has been observed that it would be useful toderive a plurality of outputs at different voltages from one switchingconverter, without the addition of further magnetic components or thearrangement thereon of multiple plugs, and without the addition offurther switching regulators or linear regulators.

The present description relates to a converter which provides aplurality of voltages.

In various embodiments, the electronic converter may comprise aswitching stage with at least one electronic switch which provides acurrent via a terminal. The other output terminal typically represents aground. The converter moreover comprises a first and a second capacitor,which may be charged by the current and which respectively provide afirst and a second voltage.

In various embodiments, the converter may comprise comparison means fordetecting the difference between the first and the second voltage. Suchcomparison means moreover determine a comparison signal indicatingwhether the difference is greater than a given threshold. For example,the comparison means may be implemented via a comparator, e.g. acomparator with hysteresis or a Zener diode.

In various embodiments, the converter may moreover comprise switchingmeans, which are interposed between the terminal providing the currentand the capacitors. Specifically, such switching means are provided fortransferring selectively the current to the first or to the secondcapacitor as a function of the comparison signal. For example, theswitching means may be implemented via a diode and an electronic switch.Such a diode may accord that the first capacitor does not dischargetowards the second capacitor. Such a diode may be also implemented as arectification diode of the switching stage, e.g. the rectification diodeof a boost or a flyback converter.

Specifically, in various embodiments, the switching stage providescurrent pulses, i.e. at given instants the supplied current is equal tozero. In this case, the operation of the switching means is preferablysynchronized with such current pulses.

For example, in various embodiments the switching means include acurrent sensor and a detection circuit, which detects a signalindicating whether the current is equal to zero. In this case, theswitching means may transfer selectively the current pulses to the firstor to the second capacitor also as a function of such a signal. Forexample, in various embodiments, the switching means may comprise alatch or a flip-flop, so that a current pulse may be transferredcompletely to the first capacitor when the voltage difference is smallerthan the threshold. On the contrary, a current pulse is transferredcompletely to the second capacitor when the voltage difference isgreater than the threshold.

In other embodiments, the switching means may be implemented via an SCRwhich is connected between the terminal providing the current pulses andthe second capacitor. In this case, the SCR trigger may be driven by aZener diode, which is connected between the first capacitor and the SCRgate. For example, if the SCR has a low critical rate of rise, everycurrent pulse will be again transferred completely to the first or tothe second capacitor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the sameparts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarilyto scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating theprinciples of the disclosed embodiments. In the following description,various embodiments described with reference to the following drawingsin which:

FIGS. 1 to 5 have already been described in the foregoing,

FIG. 6 shows a typical electronic converter with voltage control;

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of an electronic converter providing twovoltages,

FIGS. 8 to 11 show details of embodiments of the electronic converter ofFIG. 7,

FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of an electronic converter providingtwo voltages,

FIGS. 13 to 15 and 18 show details of embodiments of the electronicconverter of FIG. 12,

FIG. 16 shows a third embodiment of an electronic converter providingtwo voltages, and

FIG. 17 shows a fourth embodiment of an electronic converter providingthree voltages, and

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment with three outputs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are given toprovide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. The embodiments canbe practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not shown or described indetail to avoid obscuring various aspects of the embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the possible appearances of thephrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do notinterpret the extent of protection or scope of the embodiments.

In the following FIGS. 6 to 18, the parts, elements or components whichhave already been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 are denotedwith the same references previously used in such Figures; thedescription of such previously described elements will not be repeatedin the following, so as not to overburden the present detaileddescription.

The present description provides solutions for generating an auxiliaryvoltage in a switching converter.

FIG. 6 shows the architecture of a general electronic converter whichreceives at input, via two input terminals 110, a voltage V_(in), forexample a DC voltage, and provides at output, via two output terminals106, a DC voltage V_(O).

Converter 12 may include a capacitor C providing voltage V_(O), i.e.capacitor C is connected (e.g. directly) between both output terminals106. The converter moreover comprises a switching stage 114, whichincludes at least an electronic switch, and a driver circuit 112 whichdrives the at least one electronic switch of stage 114 as a function ofoutput voltage V_(o). For example, this sort of arrangement isapplicable at least to buck, boost, buck-boost, Cuk, SEPIC, ZETA,flyback or forward converters.

Switching stage 114 therefore comprises two output terminals (the firstterminal providing a current and the second terminal representing aground GND), and current i₁₁₄ charges selectively capacitor C, so thatvoltage V_(o) across capacitor C corresponds to a desired value.

For example, driver circuit 112 may be a PWM driver circuit, whichincreases or decreases the duty cycle of at least one driving signal,until output voltage V_(o) corresponds (in average) to a desired value.Driver circuit 112 may also include a comparator with hysteresis, whichactivates or deactivates stage 114 when the output voltage respectivelyreaches an upper or a lower threshold.

FIG. 7 shows a first embodiment of a switching converter which isadapted to generate two voltages. In this embodiment too there isprovided a switching stage 114 providing a current i₁₁₄.

For every output 106 a and 106 b there is provided a respective outputcapacitor Ca and Cb, respectively providing the output voltages V_(oa)and V_(ob).

Circuit 12 moreover includes switching means 116, which are interposedbetween switching stage 114 and the various output capacitors Ca/Cb.Specifically, such switching means 116 are adapted to transferselectively current i₁₁₄ supplied by stage 114 to either outputcapacitor Ca or Cb.

For example, switching means 116 are implemented by a changeover switch,and driver circuit 112 is adapted to drive the switching of changeoverswitch 116.

Specifically, driver circuit 112 normally keeps the changeover switch ina first position, wherein current i₁₁₄ is transferred to the firstbranch, i.e. to capacitor Ca. During this step, control circuit 112 mayuse voltage V_(oa) across capacitor Ca for driving the switching stage114.

In various embodiments, control circuit 112 simultaneously monitorsvoltage V_(ob) of the second branch, i.e. to capacitor Cb, and whenvoltage falls below a given threshold, driver circuit 112 shiftschangeover switch 116 to a second position, wherein current i₁₁₄ istransferred to the second branch, thereby charging capacitor Cb again.During this step, control circuit 112 may therefore use voltage V_(ob)across capacitor Ca for driving switching stage 114.

Therefore, control circuit 112 may be modified in such a way as toenable the use of two feedback signals. However, control circuits areoften implemented via integrated circuits, which makes the modificationof such circuits costly.

Therefore, in various embodiments, switching means 116 are configured tocontrol directly the transfer of current i₁₁₄ towards capacitor Ca orcapacitor Cb.

FIG. 8 shows a first embodiment of switching means 116. Specifically,output 106 a is assumed to provide a voltage V_(oa) which is greaterthan voltage V_(ob) required for output 106 b.

In this case, changeover switch 116 may be implemented via a diode D1,such as e.g. a Schottky diode, and an electronic switch 1160, such as ametal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). The terminalproviding current i₁₁₄ is connected (e.g. directly) to the anode ofdiode D1, and the cathode of diode D1 is connected (e.g. directly) to afirst terminal (positive terminal) of capacitor Ca, associated to output106 a. On the contrary, the second terminal of capacitor Ca is connected(e.g. directly) to ground GND. The terminal which provides current i₁₁₄is moreover connected, via switch 1160 (e.g. directly) to a firstterminal (positive terminal) of capacitor Cb, and the second terminal(negative terminal) of capacitor Cb is connected (e.g. directly) toground GND.

Diode D1 may accord that capacitor Ca is not discharged towardscapacitor Cb. Such diode D1 may also correspond to a rectification diodeof switching stage 114. For example, diode D1 may correspond to diode Dshown in FIG. 3 for a flyback converter. Such a diode is present, forexample, in a boost converter as well.

The switching of switch 1160 may be driven by a comparator 1162, adaptedto compare the difference between voltages V_(oa) and V_(ob) with athreshold TH, i.e:

-   -   when the difference between voltages is smaller than threshold        TH, switch 1160 is opened and current i₁₁₄ charges capacitor Ca,        increasing voltage V_(oa), and    -   when the difference between voltages is greater than threshold        TH, switch 1160 is closed and current i₁₁₄ charges capacitor Cb,        increasing voltage V_(ob).

In various embodiments, comparator 1162 may be a comparator withhysteresis, so as to reduce the switching frequency of switch 1160.

Therefore, in the embodiment, the difference of voltages V_(oa) andV_(ob) is kept substantially constant, and it is sufficient for theconverter to perform a voltage control. Generally speaking, drivercircuit 112 may drive switching stage 114 as a function of eithervoltage V_(oa) or voltage V_(ob). For example, driver circuit 112 isadapted to drive switching stage 114 in such a way as to regulatevoltage V_(ob), i.e. the smaller voltage, to the desired value. In thiscase, voltage V_(oa) is set approximately to V_(ob)+TH. The regulationmay use the voltage of the output requiring the higher accuracy.

The previously described embodiment is of very easy implementation;however, it has the drawback that the switching of switch 1160 does nottake place at zero current.

In this respect, it has been observed that several switching stages 14have the feature that current i₁₁₄ at the output of switching stage 114is not continuous but discontinuous, i.e. in some periods it is equal tozero. Such a feature may be intrinsic to the topology of the converter.For example, as described with reference to FIG. 3, in a flybackconverter the current provided to secondary winding T2 of thetransformer is intrinsically discontinuous. The same is true, forexample, for a boost or buck-boost converter, wherein energy istransferred to the output capacitor only during one of the switchingcycles. On the contrary, in other converters, the discontinuity mayderive from the type of driving. For example, the current provided by abuck converter may be discontinuous, if the buck converter is operatedin the Discontinuous Current Mode (DCM). A buck converter typicallyoperates in a discontinuous mode when the load absorbs a low current,and in continuous mode at higher levels of absorbed current.

Therefore, in various embodiments, the operation of circuit 116 issynchronized with the switching of switching stage 114, in such a way asto reduce the switching losses of switch 1160. Such synchronization maybe obtained by monitoring the driving signal of stage 114 and/or, asshown in FIG. 9, by monitoring a signal identifying current i₁₁₄.

For example, circuit 116 includes a sensor adapted to detect currenti₁₁₄ directly at the output of switching stage 112, or to detect anothersignal identifying such current, e.g. the current flowing through switch1166.

The signal detected by sensor 1166, such as e.g. a shunt resistor, issupplied to a detection circuit 1168 which determines if the detectedcurrent is equal to zero.

In this case, the synchronization with current i₁₁₄ may be obtained viaa processing circuit 1164, which determines the driving signal forswitch 1160 as a function of the signal provided by comparator 1162 andof the signal provided by the detecting circuit 1168. In the simplest ofcases, processing circuit 1164 may be a latch SR. Specifically, in thepresently considered embodiment, the signal at the output of comparator1162 sets latch 1164 to logic level “1” and closes switch 1160 when thevoltage difference exceeds threshold TH. On the other hand, the latch isreset when the current detected by circuit 1168 falls to zero again.

In this case, which will be called split pulse mode in the following, aninitial part of a current pulse is transferred to output 106 a, i.e. theoutput with the greater voltage, and when comparator 1162 detects thatthe voltage difference exceeds threshold TH, the second part of thecurrent pulse is transferred to output 106 b. As a matter of fact, latch1164 is reset only when the current detected by sensor 1166 falls tozero again.

For example, FIG. 10a shows a possible profile of current i₁₁₄, FIG. 10bshows the difference of voltages V_(oa) and V_(ob), and FIGS. 10c and10d respectively show current i_(D1) flowing through diode D1, i.e. thecurrent charging capacitor Ca, and current i₁₁₆₀ flowing through switch1160, i.e. the current charging capacitor Cb.

Specifically, in the presently considered example, there are shown threepulses for current i₁₁₄:

-   -   the first pulse is transferred completely to capacitor Ca,        because the voltage difference is still smaller than threshold        TH;    -   during the second pulse, the difference between voltages V_(oa)        and V_(ob) reaches threshold TH and switch 1160 is closed via        latch 1164, and the current is transferred to capacitor Cb from        this moment on;    -   also the third pulse is transferred completely to capacitor Ca,        because the voltage difference is still smaller than threshold        TH.

This embodiment offers the advantage that output voltages V_(oa) andV_(ob) have only a reduced ripple, because both capacitors Ca and Cb maybe charged at each current pulse. However, this embodiment has thedisadvantage that the closing of switch 1160 does not take place at zerocurrent, i.e. only the opening is synchronized with current i₁₁₄.

For this reason, circuit 1164 may be configured for transferring eachcurrent pulse completely to one of capacitors Ca or Cb, which will benamed full pulse mode in the following. For example, this may obtainedvia a circuit 1164 which includes a latch D, wherein the signal providedby comparator 1162 is only sampled when current i₁₁₄ is equal to zero,i.e. the signal provided by circuit 1168 may be used as an enablementsignal of said latch.

For example, FIG. 11a shows a possible profile of current i₁₁₄, FIG. 11bshows the difference between voltages V_(oa) and V_(ob), and FIGS. 11cand 11d respectively show current i_(D1) flowing through diode D1, i.e.the current charging capacitor Ca, and current i₁₁₆₀ flowing throughswitch 1160, i.e. the current charging capacitor Cb.

Specifically, also in this example there are shown three pulses forcurrent i₁₁₄:

-   -   the first pulse is transferred completely to capacitor Ca,        because at the beginning of the pulse the difference between        voltages V_(oa) and V_(ob) is smaller than threshold TH:    -   at the beginning of the second pulse, the difference of voltages        V_(oa) and V_(ob) is greater than threshold TH, and the current        is transferred to capacitor Cb only;    -   also the third pulse is transferred completely to capacitor Ca,        because at the beginning of the pulse the difference of voltages        V_(oa) and V_(ob) is smaller than threshold TH.

This embodiment offers the advantage that both the closing and theopening of switch 1160 take place at zero current. However, thisembodiment has the disadvantage that the output voltages have a higherripple, which is also visible in FIG. 11 b.

FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of switching means 116, wherein theuse of a dedicated latch or flip-flop is not required.

For example, switching means 116 are implemented via diode D1, e.g. aSchottky diode, an SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) Q1 and a Zenerdiode D2.

Specifically, the terminal providing current i₁₁₄ is connected (e.g.directly) to the anode of diode D1, and the cathode of diode D1 isconnected (e.g. directly) to a first terminal (positive terminal) ofcapacitor Ca associated with output 106 a. On the other hand, the secondterminal of capacitor Ca is connected (e.g. directly) to ground GND. Theterminal which provides current i₁₁₄ is moreover connected, via SCR Q1,to capacitor Cb associated to output 106 b. Specifically, the terminalproviding current i₁₁₄ is connected (e.g. directly) to the anode of SCRQ1, and the cathode of SCR Q1 is connected (e.g. directly) to a firstterminal (positive terminal) of capacitor Cb. On the other hand, thesecond terminal of capacitor Cb is connected (e.g. directly) to groundGND. Finally, the gate of SCR Q1 is connected via Zener diode D2 to thepositive terminal of capacitor Ca, associated to output 106 a.Specifically, the anode of Zener diode D2 is connected (e.g. directly)to the gate of SCR Q1, and the cathode of Zener diode D2 is connected(e.g. directly) to the cathode of diode D1.

Therefore, output 106 a provides a voltage V_(oa) which is greater thanvoltage V_(ob) provided at output 106 b, and the difference between thevoltages is set via the Zener voltage Vz of diode D2 (and the gatevoltage of SCR Q1). As a matter of fact, when a trigger signal isapplied to the gate of SCR Q1, i.e. when the difference between voltagesV_(oa) and V_(ob) exceeds the Zener voltage Vz of Zener diode D2, SCR Q1starts conducting. However, conduction is still present when the gatesignal ceases, and until the direct current falls below a minimalholding value (the so-called holding current). However, given thatcurrent i₁₁₄ is discontinuous, this take place at each pulse of currenti₁₁₄.

As a consequence, when the difference between voltages V_(oa) and V_(ob)exceeds the Zener voltage Vz, SCR Q1 is closed via Zener diode D2 andcurrent i₁₁₄ is transferred to capacitor Cb. Otherwise, current i₁₁₄ istransferred to capacitor Ca.

Therefore, Zener diode D2 performs the function of comparator 1162, andSCR Q1 directly implements components 1160, 1164, 1166 and 1168 of FIG.9.

In this respect, FIG. 13 shows the typical diagram I-V of a SCR, as afunction of current I_(G) at the gate of the SCR.

Specifically, when directly conducting the SCR has the typical curve ofa diode, provided that current I_(G) reaches a sufficient value, i.e.I_(G)>>0. On the contrary, when current I_(G) is smaller, i.e. I_(G)>0,the triggering takes place anyway, but with a greater voltage V_(AK)between anode and cathode. In the most extreme of cases, with currentI_(G) equal to zero, the triggering takes place when voltage V_(AK)between anode and cathode reaches breakdown voltage V_(BO) of the SCR.Finally, the SCR may also be triggered when the critical rate of rise(dV/dt) is exceeded. As a matter of fact, if the applied voltage risestoo rapidly, the SCR may start conducting automatically (so-calledspontaneous triggering).

The triggering is maintained until the current flowing through the SCRfalls below a holding value I_(H) (holding current). As a consequence,there is no need for the current pulse to fall exactly to zero; on thecontrary, it is sufficient for each pulse of current i₁₁₄ to include aportion wherein the current is smaller than holding value I_(H) of SCRQ1.

On the basis of the features of SCR Q1, there are therefore twooperating modes for circuit 116. In the former case, an initial part ofa current pulse is transferred to the output having a greater voltage,e.g. output 106 a, and when Zener diode D2 triggers SCR Q1, the secondpart of the current pulse is transferred to the output having a smallervoltage, e.g. output 106 b. This operation corresponds therefore to thesplit pulse mode. On the contrary, in the latter case, SCR Q1 isactivated via a spontaneous triggering. Therefore, in this case, eachcurrent pulse is transferred completely to one of the capacitors Ca orCb. Therefore, this operation corresponds to the full pulse mode.

As previously explained, in split pulse mode, SCR Q1 is triggered onlyvia the current at the gate of SCR Q1, i.e. triggering is not due to anexcessive voltage V_(AK) or an excessive voltage variation at the anodeof SCR Q1.

For example, FIG. 14a shows a possible profile of current i₁₁₄, FIG. 14bshows voltage V_(D2) across Zener diode D2, and FIGS. 14c and 14drespectively show current 1D1 flowing through diode D1, i.e. the currentwhich charges capacitor Ca, and current i_(Q1) flowing through SCR Q1,i.e. the current which charges capacitor Cb.

Specifically, there are shown three pulses for current i₁₁₄:

-   -   the first pulse is transferred completely to capacitor Ca,        because voltage V_(D2) across Zener diode D2 is smaller than        voltage V_(Z) of Zener diode D2;    -   during the second pulse, voltage V_(D2) across Zener diode D2        reaches voltage V_(Z) of Zener diode D2 and SCR Q1 is triggered,        and from this moment on the current is transferred to capacitor        Cb;    -   also the third pulse is transferred completely to capacitor Ca,        because voltage V_(D2) across Zener diode D2 is still smaller        than voltage V_(Z) of Zener diode D2.

Therefore, the waveforms substantially correspond to what is shown withreference to FIG. 10.

On the other hand, in full pulse mode, SCR Q1 may be activated by aspontaneous triggering. The spontaneous triggering takes place when tothe anode of the SCR a voltage variation is applied which exceeds thecritical rate of rise of the SCR. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13,triggering is more likely to occur if current I_(G) at the gate of theSCR is not equal to zero, i.e. when the difference between V_(oa) andV_(ob) approaches the Zener voltage V_(Z) of diode D2. Therefore, from apractical point of view, for a given variation of voltage dV/dt thetriggering takes place at a voltage V_(z)−Δ.

For example, FIG. 15a shows a possible profile of current i₁₁₄, FIG. 15bshows voltage V_(D2) across Zener diode D2, and FIGS. 15c and 15drespectively show current i_(D1) flowing through diode D1, i.e. thecurrent which charges capacitor Ca, and current i_(Q1) flowing throughSCR Q1, i.e. the current which charges capacitor Cb.

Specifically, there are shown three pulses for current i₁₁₄:

-   -   the first pulse is transferred completely to capacitor Ca        because, at the beginning of the pulse, voltage V_(D2) across        Zener diode D2 is smaller than voltage V_(z)−Δ and the voltage        at Zener diode D2 does not reach Zener voltage V_(z) during the        pulse;    -   during the second pulse, voltage V_(D2) across Zener diode D2        approaches voltage V_(Z) of Zener diode D2, specifically it is        greater than threshold V_(z)−Δ, and as a consequence of an        abrupt change of voltage at the anode of SCR Q1, SCR Q1 is        triggered and the current is transferred to capacitor Cb only;    -   also the third pulse is transferred completely to capacitor Ca        because, at the beginning of the pulse, voltage V_(D2) across        Zener diode D2 is smaller than voltage V_(z)−Δ and the voltage        at Zener diode D2 does not reach Zener voltage V_(z) during the        pulse.

Therefore, the waveforms substantially correspond to what is shown withreference to FIG. 11.

In order to reduce the ripple in the output voltages, there may also beprovided at least one interlink capacitor between the outputs.

For example, FIG. 16 shows an embodiment having the addition of acapacitor C3, which is connected between the positive terminal of output106 a and the positive terminal of output 106 b.

Such a capacitor C3 therefore performs a capacitive coupling, andtherefore each pulse is also transferred partially to the other output.Moreover, capacitor C3 enables an improvement of the output voltage.

Therefore, such an interlink capacitor C3 is particularly useful for theFull Pulse Mode.

As previously stated, on the basis of the critical rate of rise (dV/dt)of SCR Q1, switching circuit 116 may behave in two ways.

In this respect, FIG. 17 shows a possible embodiment of SCR Q1.

Substantially, an SCR consists in a structure of “pnpn” junctions,wherein:

-   -   the first “p” represents anode A;    -   the last “n” represents cathode C, and    -   the second “p” represents gate G.

Therefore, an SCR may be implemented via two bipolar transistors: a pnpbipolar transistor Q2 and an npn bipolar transistor Q3.

Specifically, the emitter of pnp transistor Q2 is connected (e.g.directly) to a terminal which represents anode A of SCR Q1. The base ofpnp transistor Q2 is connected to the collector of npn transistor Q3.The collector of pnp transistor Q2 is connected to the base of npntransistor Q3, which is also connected to a terminal representing gate Gof SCR Q1. Finally, the emitter of npn transistor Q3 is connected (e.g.directly) to a terminal representing cathode C of SCR Q1.

In various embodiments, the circuit may moreover comprise one or morecapacitors connected to the bases of transistors Q2 and Q3, enabling thevariation of the critical rate of rise dV/dt of SCR Q1. For example, inthe presently considered embodiment, a first capacitor C1 is connectedbetween the emitter of transistor Q2 and the base of transistor Q2, anda second capacitor C2 is connected between the base of transistor Q3 andthe emitter of transistor Q3. For example, in an embodiment, suchcapacitors have a capacitance of a few nF, e.g. 1-10 nF, e.g. 4.7 nF.

The implementation may additionally include further components. Forexample, resistors R1 and R4 are provided which are respectivelyconnected to the base of transistors Q2 and Q3. For example, resistor R1is connected between the emitter of transistor Q2 and the base oftransistor Q2, and resistor R4 may be connected between the base oftransistor Q3 and the emitter of transistor Q3. The circuit moreover maycomprise a resistor R2, connected between the base of transistor Q2 andthe collector of transistor Q3, and a resistor R3 connected between thecollector of transistor Q2 and the base of transistor Q3.

In various embodiments, the collector of transistor Q2 is also connectedto the collector of transistor Q3 via a diode D3, such as e.g. aSchottky diode. Substantially, diode D3 induces most of the currentinput by emitters to circulate in the collectors and not in the bases.This is due to the fact that BJTs are designed to withstand a basecurrent smaller than the collector current, and a damage would occurwithout the provision of D3, because the collector currents would equalthe base currents. In this way, on the contrary, the base current islimited, also by splitters R1&R2 and R3&R4, so that Vf on the diode withthe addition of the diode saturation voltage keeps the arrangementtriggered in any case. R2 and R3 have a low value, of around ten Ohm orless, while R1 and R4 determine the triggering current and amount to afew kOhm.

The number of outputs may also be increased, by providing a respectivecircuit 116 for each output.

For example, FIG. 18 shows a possible embodiment with three outputs 106a, 106 b and 106 c, wherein a respective output capacitor Ca, Cb and Ccis associated to each output.

Therefore, switching means 116 include a diode for the output with thehighest voltage 106 a, and for the remaining two outputs respectively anSCR Q1 b and Q1 c and a Zener diode D2 b and D2 c, wherein Zener voltageV_(z) of the respective diode substantially corresponds to thedifference between the highest voltage and the desired voltage.

Specifically, the terminal providing current i₁₁₄ is connected via SCRQ1 b to output capacitor Cb associated to output 106 b, and the gate ofSCR Q1 b is connected via Zener diode D2 b to the positive terminal ofcapacitor Ca associated to output 106 a. Similarly, the terminalproviding current i₁₁₄ is connected via SCR Q1 c to output capacitor Ccassociated to output 106 c and the gate of SCR Q1 c is connected viaZener diode D2 c to the positive terminal of capacitor Ca associated tooutput 106 a.

Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, thedetails and the embodiments may vary, even appreciably, with respect towhat has been described herein by way of non-limiting example only,without departing from the extent of protection of the invention asdefined by the annexed claims.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changed in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thusindicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended tobe embraced.

1. An electronic converter comprising: a switching stage comprising atleast one electronic switch, wherein said switching stage is adapted toprovide a current via a terminal; a first capacitor, wherein said firstcapacitor provides a first voltage, a second capacitor, wherein saidsecond capacitor provides a second voltage, a switching means configuredto transfer selectively said current to said first capacitor or saidsecond capacitor, a driver circuit configured to drive said switchingstage as a function of either said voltage at said first capacitor orthe voltage at said second capacitor, and a comparison means configuredto detect the difference between said first voltage and said secondvoltage, and determine a comparison signal which indicates whether saiddifference is greater than a threshold, wherein said switching means areconfigured to transfer selectively said current to said first capacitoror said second capacitor as a function of said comparison signal.
 2. Theelectronic converter according to claim 1, wherein said comparison meanscomprise a comparator.
 3. The electronic converter according to claim 1,wherein said switching means comprise: a diode, connected between saidterminal which provides said current and said first capacitor, and anelectronic switch connected between said terminal which provides saidcurrent and said second capacitor.
 4. The electronic converter accordingto claim 1, wherein said switching stage is configured to providecurrent pulses via said terminal.
 5. The electronic converter accordingto claim 1, wherein: said switching stage is a buck converter operatedin DCM mode, or said switching stage is a boost or flyback convertercomprising a rectification diode, and wherein said diode is implementedwith said rectification diode.
 6. The electronic converter according toclaim 4, wherein said switching means comprise: a current sensorconfigured to detect a value identifying said current; a detectioncircuit configured to determine a signal which indicates whether saiddetected current is equal to zero; wherein said switching means areconfigured to transfer selectively said current to said first capacitoror said second capacitor as a function of said signal which indicateswhether said detected current is equal to zero.
 7. The electronicconverter according to claim 6, wherein said switching means comprise alatch, wherein such that: when said comparison signal indicates thatsaid difference is smaller than said threshold, a current pulse istransferred completely to said first capacitor; and when said comparisonsignal indicates that said difference is greater than said threshold, acurrent pulse is transferred completely to said second capacitor.
 8. Theelectronic converter according to claim 6, wherein said switching meanscomprise: a SCR, wherein the anode of said SCR is connected to saidterminal which provides current pulses, and wherein the cathode of saidSCR is connected to said second capacitor.
 9. The electronic converteraccording to claim 8, wherein said switching means comprise: a Zenerdiode, wherein the cathode of said Zener diode is connected to saidfirst capacitor and the anode of said Zener diode is connected to thegate of said SCR.
 10. The electronic converter according to claim 8,wherein said SCR has a low critical rate of rise, such that each currentpulse is transferred completely to said first capacitor or to saidsecond capacitor.
 11. The electronic converter according to claim 8,wherein said SCR is implemented by means of a pnp bipolar transistor anda npn bipolar transistor, wherein said pnp bipolar transistor and/orsaid npn bipolar transistor have an associated respective capacitor forvarying said critical rate of rise.
 12. A method for operating anelectronic converter the electronic converter comprising: a switchingstage comprising at least one electronic switch, wherein said switchingstage is adapted to provide a current via a terminal; a first capacitor,wherein said first capacitor provides a first voltage, a secondcapacitor, wherein said second capacitor provides a second voltage, aswitching means configured to transfer selectively said current to saidfirst capacitor or said second capacitor, a driver circuit configured todrive said switching stage as a function of either said voltage at saidfirst capacitor or the voltage at said second capacitor, and acomparison means configured to detect the difference between said firstvoltage and said second voltage, and determine a comparison signal whichindicates whether said difference is greater than a threshold, whereinsaid switching means are configured to transfer selectively said currentto said first capacitor or said second capacitor as a function of saidcomparison signal; the method comprising the steps of: detecting thedifference between said first voltage and said second voltage,determining a comparison signal which indicated whether said differenceis greater than a threshold, and transferring selectively said currentto said first capacitor or said second capacitor as a function of saidcomparison signal.
 13. The electronic converter according to claim 5,wherein said switching means comprise: a current sensor configured todetect a value identifying said current; a detection circuit configuredto determine a signal which indicates whether said detected current isequal to zero; wherein said switching means are configured to transferselectively said current to said first capacitor or said secondcapacitor as a function of said signal which indicates whether saiddetected current is equal to zero.
 14. The electronic converteraccording to claim 2, wherein said comparator is a comparator withhysteresis, or a Zener diode.
 15. The electronic converter according toclaim 3, wherein said diode is a Schottky diode.